September 21, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
HSLC has many cats and kitties hoping to find their furr-ever families. Come meet them at the Petco in Leesburg (NEW LOCATION!) from noon to 2pm on Sunday, September 21. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!
If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete a no-obligation application today to expedite the application process.
NOTE that Petco recently moved to the Battlefield Shopping Center at 1015 Edwards Ferry Rd NE, Leesburg, VA 20176. (It’s across the street from Costco, Target and Kohl’s.)
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PART 4: The Love Letter They’d Write to You
By Uchenna C. Okeke
Picture your pet settling down to write a heartfelt letter to you. It likely wouldn’t be grand or clever. It would be simple, warm, and sincere. Every line would drip with gratitude, not just for the food and shelter, but for your presence, your patience, your love.
If your pet could speak, they could sit you down, and read you a letter–a letter made entirely of memories. Memories of love given, love received, and love that has never once wavered; memories you’ve built together, day after day, line after line.
Before the Letter Begins
The truth is you’ve already lived every line of any letter your pet would write. Companion animals don’t need a pen or paper. Their love language is usually on full display – crafted in tail wags, slow blinks, eager barks, and gentle nudges. It’s written in the way they follow you from room to room, or in the sigh they let out when they finally settle at your feet.
Writing the Letter
Imagine their letter taking shape.
- The Salutation: Your pet’s letter would likely begin with “Dear You” or something more tender, like “To the One Who Changed My Life,” or perhaps, “To My Favorite Human.”
- The Introduction: In their opening lines, they would recall the warmth of belonging. For a cat, it might be the day she chose you as “hers.” For a dog, it could be the thrill of bounding into your arms after adoption. The introduction would set the stage with gratitude and might sound like: “I don’t have the words you use, but I feel everything. This is my attempt to tell you what’s in my heart.”
- The Body: They would continue the letter noting meaningful actions and gestures:
- Morning greetings: When they leap onto your bed or tap your hand with a paw, that’s their way of saying, “I’m glad you’re here.”
- During walks and playtime. The excitement in a game of fetch, the joy of sniffing every tree, would be them telling you, “Life is so much richer with you by my side.”
- Quiet evenings: When they rest their head on your lap or settle nearby in silence, would be them whispering: “I feel safe with you. You are my comfort. My world.”
- The Deeper Verses: The letter continues in subtle, powerful verses.” In the cat who curls up beside you when you’re unwell, whispering, “You’re not alone.” In the dog who waits patiently by the door, no matter how long you’re gone saying, “I’ll be here when your return.” In the eyes that search your face, not asking for food or toys, just checking in, asking, “Are you okay? I’m here.”
- The Conclusion: The letter would not end with a big proclamation. Just a steady, quiet expression: “Thank you for everything. I love you more than you’ll ever know.”
The beauty of your pet’s letter is that it’s never finished, never sealed in an envelope. It is rewritten daily, in fresh ink made of glances, paws, wags, and stretches beside you. It is in the wag of a tail when you say their name, in the forgiveness they offer without hesitation, and in the joy that bursts forth when you return.
And if, for a moment, we were to put their heart into human words, their love letter might read like this:
To My Favorite Human
I don’t have the words you use,
but I feel everything.
This is my attempt
to tell you what’s in my heart.
I’m glad you’re here.
Life has so much meaning with you.
I feel safe with you
you are my comfort, my world.
You’re never alone.
I’ll always be here.
I’ll be here even when you are not okay.
Thank you for everything.
I love you more than you’ll ever know.
With love from,
Did you miss Part 1 -3 of this series? No worries! They’re still available here: If Your Pet Could Speak – Part 1: I want to fit in, but please don’t rush me; here: If Your Pet Could Speak – Part 2: I’m FeLV+ but please don’t count me out, and here: If Your Pet Could Speak – Part 3: Keep me safe, but please don’t make it boring.
September 7, 2025 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Come watch some silly cat videos for a good cause!
The world’s #1 cat video festival is back with screenings in theaters across the USA and around the world! Oscilloscope Laboratories presents CATVIDEOFEST 2025, a compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses.
Each year across the country, local theaters partner with nearby cat-focused charities, animal welfare associations, and shelters alike. A portion of ticket proceeds from every show goes directly to the Humane Society of Loudoun County to help local cats in need. HSLC will also be bringing adoptable cats to Alamo’s lobby on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7 (note slightly different times).
Buy tickets: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
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August 1, 2025 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
The Humane Society of Loudoun County will be bringing adoptable cats to Leesburg First Friday on August 1. Be sure to come inside and see the kitties up close and in purr-son at Coldwell Banker Realty!
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Part 2 – I am FeLV+. But, please don’t count me out!
By Uchenna C. Okeke
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a condition that often sparks fear or confusion. Too often, the diagnosis alone is enough to send potential adopters walking away. They picture a sickly cat with little time left. But beneath the label is a fur-baby that yearns to live, love, and be accepted.
If Sonny could speak, this orange creamsicle of a cat might tell you: “Yes, I am FeLV+, and I plan to live a long, healthy, love-filled life. Please don’t count me out.”
What is FeLV?
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a viral infection that compromises a cat’s immune system, making them more vulnerable to illness. Fortunately, FeLV is preventable through vaccination (85% effective), and regular testing can help detect infection early and prevent its spread. FeLV spreads mainly through close contact with infected cats via saliva, urine, or milk, often during activities like grooming, sharing food or water bowls, or bites. It can also be passed from mother to kitten during pregnancy or nursing. It is more common in outdoor or unneutered cats, and it cannot spread to humans or other animals like dogs.
Signs of infection may include weight loss, poor appetite, lethargy, pale gums, recurrent infections, or skin problems, although many show no symptoms for a long time.
What Hurts More Than the Diagnosis? – REJECTION!
Let’s be honest. Viruses scare people and such fear leads to rejection. But for FeLV+ cats, the hardest part of their diagnosis isn’t the virus itself, but the rejection that follows. Potential adopters often overlook them in favor of healthier cats. They see the “FeLV+” label and move on, without giving these loving cats a chance. Yet the truth is, with proper care, many FeLV+ cats live comfortably and happily for years.
How to Care for FeLV+ Cats
Caring for a FeLV+ cat isn’t hard, it just takes compassion, awareness, and a little routine. Here’s how to help your feline friend stay happy and healthy:
- Keep Them Indoors: This keeps them safe from infections, stress, and danger. A cozy indoor space filled with toys, soft beds, and window views gives plenty of fun and comfort they need.
- Feed a High-Quality Diet: Feed a high-protein, low-filler diet. Some vets may recommend immune-boosting supplements or special formulations. Always consult your vet before switching foods.
- Schedule Regular Vet Visits: Regular check-ups can detect issues early, even if your cat appears healthy.
- Create a Calm Environment: Stress weakens the immune system, so keep the home calm. Minimize loud noises, sudden changes, and overcrowding. Provide hiding spots and safe zones where your cat can relax.
- Keep Solo or Provide Safe Companions: FeLV spreads through close contact, so it’s safest to keep FeLV+ cats either alone or with another FeLV+ cat. With vet advice and proper vaccination, living with a FeLV-negative cat may be possible, but needs very close supervision.
- Give lots of Love: FeLV+ cats form deep bonds with their humans. They know what it means to be passed over, and when you choose them, they don’t take it lightly. So cuddle often, play daily, and remind them, through every moment, that they belong.
Sonny is Waiting for You
Every day, cats like Sonny watch as others around them are adopted. Their profiles get fewer clicks. Their foster homes get fewer visits. Not because they’re unkind or unfriendly, but because of a virus they didn’t choose. Sonny doesn’t know what FeLV means. He doesn’t understand why he doesn’t get a second look. He just curls up on his blanket and waits. But he’s not waiting for miracles. He’s waiting for you.
FeLV+ cats are not broken or fragile. They are simply special. And they need someone willing to look beyond a diagnosis and see the sweet soul looking for a caring human. If that might be you, learn more about Sonny and his dream of finding a home of his very own.
And, be sure to stay tuned for next month’s article because your pet has more to tell you….
Did you miss Part 1 of this series? No worries! It’s still available here: If Your Pet Could Speak – I want to fit in, but please don’t rush me.
September 6, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Come watch some silly cat videos for a good cause!
The world’s #1 cat video festival is back with screenings in theaters across the USA and around the world! Oscilloscope Laboratories presents CATVIDEOFEST 2025, a compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses.
Each year across the country, local theaters partner with nearby cat-focused charities, animal welfare associations, and shelters alike. A portion of ticket proceeds from every show goes directly to the Humane Society of Loudoun County to help local cats in need. HSLC will also be bringing adoptable cats to Alamo’s lobby on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7 (note slightly different times).
Buy tickets: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
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July 13, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Looking for your next furry family member? We have many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever homes! Come meet them at the PetSmart in Dulles Landing from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on July 13. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!
If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
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September 6, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) will be at the Alamo Drafthouse at One Loudoun for CatVideoFest – the world’s #1 cat video festival! Be sure to stop by the HSLC tables for free giveaways and HSLC merch! Adoptable cats will make an ap-purr-eance from 1:00-3:00. Alamo will be donating a % of gross ticket sales to the Humane Society of Loudoun County!
For showtimes, visit the Alamo website.
More about CatVideoStFest: CatVideoFest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. CatVideoFest is a joyous communal experience, only available in theaters, and raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to best serve cats in the area.
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June 9, 2025 @ 12:30 am – June 13, 2025 @ 11:30 pm
Not every pet is a social butterfly. Some just want a couch, a quiet corner, and a person to love.
Welcome to Happiest at Home—a virtual adoption event featuring our most lovable homebodies. These animals might not “do” adoption events, but they do cuddles, companionship, and unconditional love. Check out their stories on HSLC’s social media channels, June 9-13. Then, complete a no-obligation application and arrange a comfortable meet-and-greet for your new best friend. Please help us match these home-loving companions with their purrfect humans!
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June 21, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
HSLC has many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever families. Come meet them at the Pet Supplies Plus in Sterling from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, June 21. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!
If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete a no-obligation application today to expedite the application process.